Resident of Nizamabad dies in ‘Fish Prasadam’ distribution in Nampally
Nampally: With lakhs of people rushing to get their turn of ‘fish prasadam’ distributed at Nampally Exhibition grounds, on Saturday, a person who came to receive the same has passed away. ‘Fish Prasadam’ is an ‘ayurvedic’ medicine distributed by the Bathini family and believing it to be a cure for Asthma and other respiratory ailments, lakhs of people visit Hyderabad every year on scheduled dates.
Reports suggest that the victim suddenly collapsed while he was waiting in the queue for his turn. The police on duty performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, however, efforts went in vain and he could not be saved. The victim is identified as a resident of Nizamabad and other details are yet to be known.
Every year, on the day of Mrugasira, which usually falls in the first week of June, people come to Hyderabad to consume the fish ‘prasadam’ also known as Chepa Mandu. Several people from across different states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh among other states flock to the city. Bathini Family, which administers this fish prasadam, hails it to be a ‘wonder drug’, and maintains its composition as a family secret, which has been passed over for generations.
Earlier in the day, Indian National Congress (INC) leader and Minister for Transport, Ponnam Prabhakar and Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad inaugurated the distribution program and hailed the services of Bathini Family.
Fish Prasadam and its share of criticism
Meanwhile, the same is being criticized by the Allopathic practitioners as well. One of the renowned, doctor, popular known as Liver Doc on X, Abby Philips posted, “This nonsense can only thrive in India, where people have very poor scientific temperament, a strong attraction towards religiosity and lack critical thinking because their education helped reinforce dogmatism and traditional misinformation instead of making them smarter. We can’t save everyone from this stupidity. But we can, from asthma, but it does not feature this stupid fish therapy.”
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
